KLM compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight
KLM holds a Dutch licence and is part of the Air France-KLM group. From Romania, KLM journeys usually connect in Amsterdam.
Which KLM flights are covered
All KLM-operated flights to and from the EU are covered. Bucharest – Amsterdam is over 1,500 km and within the EU, so compensation for it is €400, not €250.
KLM tickets sometimes include flights operated by Air France or by partners outside Europe. The airline that operated the problem flight is liable.
How much you can get on a KLM flight
| Flight distance | Compensation per passenger |
|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | €250 |
| 1,500 to 3,500 km, or any flight within the EU over 1,500 km | €400 |
| Over 3,500 km, departing from or arriving outside the EU | €600 |
| Route (example) | Distance | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Bucharest – Amsterdam | 1,783 km | €400 |
| Bucharest – New York JFK, connecting in Amsterdam | 7,631 km | €600 |
| Bucharest – Toronto, connecting in Amsterdam | 7,763 km | €600 |
The examples show the straight-line distance between airports, not the airline's current timetable. We work out the exact distance for your flight when you check it.
How KLM handles claims
KLM takes claims through the compensation form on klm.com. Use the compensation form, not the ticket refund form: they are different requests, handled separately.
Where to complain and where a case is heard
For flights departing from Romania, the body that enforces the regulation is the National Authority for Consumer Protection (ANPC). If it comes to court, the airline can be sued at the court for the airport of departure or arrival (Rehder ruling of the EU Court of Justice, 2009), so a flight from or to Romania can be heard in Romania even if the airline is foreign.
What documents you need
- your boarding pass or booking confirmation;
- an identity document, for the assignment agreement you sign online;
- if you have them, any messages from the airline about the delay or cancellation.
How long you have to claim
In Romania you can usually claim up to 3 years after the flight. Even if the flight was two years ago, it is worth checking.
How Jet Claim helps
Check your flight for free in two minutes and sign online. We handle the correspondence with the airline, the complaint to the authority and, if needed, court. Our fee is 25% + VAT of the amount recovered, deducted only if you get paid. Every situation is explained on the passenger rights page.
Frequently asked questions
KLM offered me Flying Blue miles or a voucher. Do I have to accept?
No. Compensation is paid in money, by bank transfer. Miles or a voucher only count if you agree to them in writing.
The airline said it was a technical problem. Am I still entitled?
Usually, yes. The EU Court of Justice has ruled that technical faults found during maintenance or before departure are part of an airline's normal business and do not excuse it from paying (van der Lans ruling, 2015).
Can I claim for a flight from two years ago?
Yes. In Romania the time limit is usually 3 years from the date of the flight. All you need is the flight details and your booking.